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Abstract:

A system comprises a shifter module, an engine control module, and a
transmission control module. The shifter module generates a position
signal based on a position of a driver input. The engine control module
controls an engine, selects one of a plurality of transmission gear
ranges based on a mapping of the position signal to the plurality of
transmission gear ranges, and generates a range request signal based on
the selected transmission gear range. The transmission control module
controls a transmission based on the range request signal.

Claims:

1. A system comprising:a shifter module that generates a position signal
based on a position of a driver input;an engine control module that
controls an engine, that selects one of a plurality of transmission gear
ranges based on a mapping of said position signal to said plurality of
transmission gear ranges, and that generates a range request signal based
on said selected transmission gear range; anda transmission control
module that controls a transmission based on said range request signal.

2. The system of claim 1 wherein said driver input includes a lever and
wherein said position signal is based on a position of said lever.

3. The system of claim 2 wherein said position of said lever is based on
an angle of said lever.

4. The system of claim 1 wherein said shifter module comprises:said driver
input;a sensor that generates a first signal based upon said position of
said driver input;an encoding module that encodes said first signal to
generate said position signal; anda transmitting module that transmits
said position signal to said engine control module.

5. The system of claim 4 wherein said engine control module comprises:a
receiving module that receives said position signal;a decoding module
that decodes said received position signal; andan interpretation module
that selects said selected transmission gear range and that generates
said range request signal.

6. The system of claim 1 wherein said engine control module controls said
transmission when said transmission control module is malfunctioning.

7. The system of claim 1 further comprising a backup transmission control
module that controls said transmission when said transmission control
module is malfunctioning.

8. The system of claim 1 wherein said engine control module generates a
status signal based on said range request signal and a status of said
transmission control module.

9. The system of claim 8 further comprising a driver information center
that selectively produces at least one of a visual indicator and an
auditory indicator based on said status signal.

10. A method comprising:generating a position signal using a shifter
module based on a position of a driver input;controlling an engine using
an engine control module;selecting one of a plurality of transmission
gear ranges using said engine control module based on a mapping of said
position signal to said plurality of transmission gear ranges;generating
a range request signal using said engine control module based on said
selected transmission gear range; andcontrolling a transmission based on
said range request signal.

11. The method of claim 10 wherein said driver input includes a lever and
wherein said position signal is based on a position of said lever.

12. The method of claim 11 wherein said position of said lever is based on
an angle of said lever.

13. The method of claim 10 further comprising:generating a first signal
using said shifter module based on said position of said driver
input;encoding said first signal using said shifter module;generating
said position signal using said shifter module based on said encoding;
andtransmitting said position signal to said engine control module.

14. The method of claim 13 further comprising:receiving said position
signal using said engine control module;decoding said received position
signal using said engine control module; andselecting said selected
transmission gear range using said engine control module based on said
decoding.

15. The method of claim 10 further comprising controlling said
transmission using said engine control module based on a status of a
transmission control module.

16. The method of claim 15 further comprising controlling said
transmission using said engine control module when said transmission
control module is malfunctioning.

17. The method of claim 10 further comprising controlling said
transmission using a backup transmission control module based on a status
of a transmission control module.

18. The method of claim 17 further comprising controlling said
transmission using said backup transmission control module when said
transmission control module is malfunctioning.

19. The method of claim 10 further comprising generating a status signal
using said engine control module based on said range request signal and a
status of a transmission control module.

20. The method of claim 19 further comprising selectively producing at
least one of a visual indicator and an auditory indicator using a driver
information center based on said status signal.

Description:

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001]This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application
No. 61/058,315, filed on Jun. 3, 2008. The disclosure of the above
application is incorporated herein by reference.

FIELD

[0002]The present disclosure relates to electronic transmission control
and more particularly to range selection.

BACKGROUND

[0003]The background description provided herein is for the purpose of
generally presenting the context of the disclosure. Work of the presently
named inventors, to the extent it is described in this background
section, as well as aspects of the description that may not otherwise
qualify as prior art at the time of filing, are neither expressly nor
impliedly admitted as prior art against the present disclosure.

[0004]Referring now to FIG. 1, a functional block diagram of electronic
transmission range selection is presented. Range selection is the act of
selecting a gear range such as park, reverse, neutral, drive, low, or
overdrive in a vehicle 100. The vehicle 100 includes a shifter module
112. The shifter module 112 is used by a driver to select a range.

[0005]The shifter module 112 may determine the position of a driver input
by using sensors. The driver input may include, for example, a lever,
button, or paddle. Readings from the sensors may be transmitted to a
shifter interpretation module (SIM) 110. The SIM 110 may then interpret
the sensor readings, determine which range the driver has selected, and
transmit a range request to an engine control module (ECM) 104 and a
transmission control module (TCM) 106.

[0006]The engine control module 104 controls an engine 102. The engine
control module 104 may use data from the engine 102 to control components
of the vehicle 100. The TCM 106 may receive the range request in
different ways. For example, the TCM 106 may receive the range request by
direct connection or via a network. The TCM 106 uses the range request to
control a transmission 108.

SUMMARY

[0007]A system includes a shifter module, an engine control module, and a
transmission control module. The shifter module generates a position
signal based on a position of a driver input. The engine control module
controls an engine, selects one of a plurality of transmission gear
ranges based on a mapping of the position signal to the plurality of
transmission gear ranges, and generates a range request signal based on
the selected transmission gear range. The transmission control module
controls a transmission based on the range request signal.

[0008]In further features, the driver input includes a lever, and the
position signal is based on a position of said lever. In still further
features, the position of the lever is based on an angle of the lever. In
other features, the shifter module comprises a driver input, a sensor, an
encoding module, and a transmitting module. The sensor generates a first
signal based on the position of the driver input. The encoding module
encodes the first signal to generate the position signal. The
transmitting module transmits the position signal to the engine control
module.

[0009]In still other features, the engine control module comprises a
receiving module, a decoding module, and an interpretation module. The
receiving module receives the position signal. The decoding module
decodes the received position signal. The interpretation module selects
the selected transmission gear range and generates the range request
signal. In other features, the engine control module controls the
transmission when the transmission control module is malfunctioning.

[0010]In still other features, the system further comprises a backup
transmission control module that controls the transmission when the
transmission control module is malfunctioning. In other features, the
engine control module generates a status signal based on the range
request signal and a status of the transmission control module. In
further features, the system further comprises a driver information
center that selectively produces at least one of a visual indicator and
an auditory indicator based on the status signal.

[0011]A method comprises generating a position signal using a shifter
module based on a position of a driver input; controlling an engine using
an engine control module; selecting one of a plurality of transmission
gear ranges using the engine control module based on a mapping of the
position signal to the plurality of transmission gear ranges; generating
a range request signal using the engine control module based on the
selected transmission gear range; and controlling a transmission based on
the range request signal.

[0012]In further features, the driver input includes a lever, and the
position signal is based on a position of the lever. In still further
features, the position of the lever is based on an angle of the lever. In
other features, the method further comprises generating a first signal
using the shifter module based on the position of the driver input;
encoding the first signal using the shifter module; generating the
position signal using the shifter module based on the encoding; and
transmitting the position signal to the engine control module.

[0013]In still other features, the method further comprises receiving the
position signal using the engine control module; decoding the received
position signal using the engine control module; and selecting the
selected transmission gear range using the engine control module based on
the decoding. In other features, the method further comprises controlling
the transmission using the engine control module based on a status of a
transmission control module. In further features, the method further
comprises controlling the transmission using the engine control module
when the transmission control module is malfunctioning.

[0014]In other features, the method further comprises controlling the
transmission using a backup transmission control module based on a status
of a transmission control module. In further features, the method further
comprises controlling the transmission using the backup transmission
control module when the transmission control module is malfunctioning. In
still other features, the method further comprises generating a status
signal using the engine control module based on the range request signal
and a status of a transmission control module. In further features, the
method further comprises selectively producing at least one of a visual
indicator and an auditory indicator using a driver information center
based on the status signal.

[0015]Further areas of applicability of the present disclosure will become
apparent from the detailed description provided hereinafter. It should be
understood that the detailed description and specific examples are
intended for purposes of illustration only and are not intended to limit
the scope of the disclosure.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0016]The present disclosure will become more fully understood from the
detailed description and the accompanying drawings, wherein:

[0017]FIG. 1 is a functional block diagram of an electronic transmission
range selection system according to the prior art;

[0018]FIG. 2 is a functional block diagram of an exemplary electronic
transmission range selection system according to the principles of the
present disclosure; and

[0019]FIG. 3 is a flowchart that depicts exemplary steps performed in
range selection based on connecting the shifter module to the ECM
according to the principles of the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0020]The following description is merely exemplary in nature and is in no
way intended to limit the disclosure, its application, or uses. For
purposes of clarity, the same reference numbers will be used in the
drawings to identify similar elements. As used herein, the phrase at
least one of A, B, and C should be construed to mean a logical (A or B or
C), using a non-exclusive logical or. It should be understood that steps
within a method may be executed in different order without altering the
principles of the present disclosure.

[0021]As used herein, the term module refers to an Application Specific
Integrated Circuit (ASIC), an electronic circuit, a processor (shared,
dedicated, or group) and memory that execute one or more software or
firmware programs, a combinational logic circuit, and/or other suitable
components that provide the described functionality.

[0022]Electronic transmission range selection is used in a vehicle to
enable a user of the vehicle to select a gear range, such as park,
neutral, reverse, drive, low, and overdrive. A shifter module detects
actuation of a driver input. An engine control module translates the
actuation into a range request. For example, actuation of a lever may be
detected by the shifter module. The position of the lever is sent to the
engine control module where it is translated into a range request. The
engine control module transmits the range request to a transmission
control module that controls a transmission based on the range request.
Previously, a shifter interpretation module translated the actuation of
the driver input into a range request. The shifter interpretation module
also transmitted the range request to the transmission.

[0023]In the present disclosure, the shifter interpretation module has
been eliminated from the system and its functionality incorporated in the
engine control module. By doing this, the system may become more reliable
because it reduces the number of components that may fail within the
system. Also, it may reduce vehicle cost because the shifter
interpretation module is not used.

[0024]Referring now to FIG. 2, a functional block diagram of an exemplary
electronic transmission range selection system according to the principle
of the present disclosure is shown. Electronic transmission range
selection may be performed by connecting a shifter module 202 directly to
an engine control module (ECM) 204 as shown in FIG. 2. In various
implementations, the shifter module 202 may be directly connected to the
ECM 204, such as via a network, cabling, or wirelessly. For example only,
the connection may be made with a network such as a controller area
network (CAN) or local interconnect network (LIN).

[0025]The shifter module 202 includes a driver input 206 that may include
a lever, button, or paddle. The driver input 206 may be used by a driver
to select a gear range, such as park, reverse, neutral, drive, low, or
overdrive. The shifter module 202 may also include a sensor 208, an
encoding module 210, and a transmitting module 209.

[0026]The sensor 208 may be used to detect use of the driver input 206.
For example, the driver input 206 may include a lever and the sensor 208
may measure an angle of the lever. The output from the sensor 208 may be
transmitted to the encoding module 210 which may be located within the
shifter module 202.

[0027]The encoding module 210 may encode the output from the sensor 208.
The encoding module 210 may then transmit an encoded signal to the
transmitting module 209. The transmitting module 209 receives the signal
from the encoding module 210 and relays the signal to the ECM 204 or,
more particularly, to a receiving module 211 that may be located within
the ECM 204. The signal is received by the receiving module 211. The
receiving module 211 may then transmit the signal to a decoding module
212 where the signal is decoded. The decoded signal is then transmitted
to an interpretation module 214. The interpretation module 214 may read,
diagnose, and interpret the decoded signal to determine the range
request.

[0028]There are various methods to encode, decode, and interpret the
signals, such as with software or hardware. For example, single edge
nibble transmission (SENT) may be used to encode the sensor signal. SENT
is a method that uses analog to digital converters and pulse width
modulation techniques as an alternative to digital buses. The encoded
signal may then be diagnosed and interpreted within the ECM 204. The
interpretation module 214 transmits the range request to a transmission
control module (TCM) 216, a monitoring module 217, and a backup TCM
module 222.

[0029]The TCM 216 controls a transmission 219 based on the range request.
Both the TCM 216 and the monitoring module 217 may transmit the range
request to a body control module (BCM) 218 to be displayed in a driver
information center (DIC) 220. This is done by the monitoring module 217
as a backup in cases where a component may not be functioning properly.
For example, if the TCM 216 is not functioning properly, the system may
continue operating because the requested range is still known by the
monitoring module 217.

[0030]The monitoring module 217 monitors the range request as well as
status signals from vehicle components. For example, an engine 213 may
include engine sensors, such as a revolutions per minute (RPM) sensor
215, that the monitoring module 217 monitors. The TCM 216 may also be
monitored. If the TCM 216 in working order, then the monitoring module
217 may transmit the range request to the body control module 218. If the
TCM 216 is not functioning properly, then the ECM 204 may enter limp home
mode.

[0031]In limp home mode, the vehicle may be driven until the engine is
turned off. For example only, the range request may be used by another
controller, such as the ECM 204 or the backup TCM module 222, to control
the transmission in case of a failure by the TCM 216. For example, the
backup TCM module 222 may control other functions in the vehicle and when
the TCM 216 fails, it may receive the range request and control the
transmission 219. In various implementations, the functionality of the
backup TCM module 222 may be incorporated within the ECM 204.

[0032]When the vehicle is in limp home mode, the monitoring module 217 may
transmit a message signal to the body control module 218 to be displayed
in the DIC 220. The DIC 220 may notify the driver that the vehicle is in
limp home mode. After the engine is turned off, the vehicle may not be
driven until the TCM 216 is functioning properly or replaced.

[0033]If the ECM 204 is not functioning, the system may still be secure.
For example, if the driver attempts to start the car when the ECM 204 is
not functioning properly, the engine may be unable to turn on. The
transmission 219 may rely on hydraulic pressure to shift and may be
unable to shift out of park because the engine is not running. If the
engine is running when the ECM 204 fails, the engine may immediately shut
down, causing the transmission 219 to revert to park.

[0034]Referring now to FIG. 3, a flowchart depicts exemplary steps
performed in range selection based on connecting a shifter module to the
ECM. Control begins in step 300, where the position of the driver input
is determined. For example only, the position may be the position of a
lever or an actuation of a button or paddle. Control then transfers to
step 302, where the current position is compared to the previous
position. If it is different, then control transfers to step 304;
otherwise, control returns to step 300.

[0035]At step 304, the new position is encoded for transmission to the
engine control module. Control then transfers to step 306, where the new
position is transmitted to the engine control module. The next step is
308, where a determination of the engine control module's functionality
is made. If the ECM is functioning, then control transfers to step 310;
otherwise, control transfers to step 328. At step 328, the engine is
turned off. After step 328, control transfers to step 330, where the
transmission reverts to park.

[0036]At step 310, the new position is decoded. The decoded signal is then
translated to a range request at step 312. Then control transfers to step
314, where the status of the TCM is received. Control then transfers to
step 316, where the TCM is checked to determine if it is functioning
properly. If the TCM is functioning properly, control transfers to step
318; otherwise, control transfers to steps 317. At step 318, the TCM
adjusts the transmission according to the range request. Control then
transfers back to step 300.

[0037]If the TCM is not functioning properly at step 316, control
transfers to step 317, where a backup controller, such as the ECM, takes
over control of the transmission. Control then transfers to step 320,
where the status and/or error of the TCM is transmitted to the BCM. The
next step is 322, where the DIC indicates the status and/or error.
Control then transfers to step 324, where a check is made to determine if
the engine is running. If it is running, the next step is 326, where
control waits for the driver to select park; otherwise, control transfers
to step 330 and the transmission reverts to park. After step 326, the
engine is turned off at step 328. After step 328, control continues to
step 330 and the transmission reverts to park.

[0038]Those skilled in the art can now appreciate from the foregoing
description that the broad teachings of the disclosure can be implemented
in a variety of forms. Therefore, while this disclosure includes
particular examples, the true scope of the disclosure should not be so
limited since other modifications will become apparent to the skilled
practitioner upon a study of the drawings, the specification, and the
following claims.